Whalers, McGwire Hoping to Turn Things Around June 18, 1999
Hartford, CT (AP)- Making a move made specifically to bolster their
offense, the Hartford Whalers are hoping that the addition of Mark McGwire
and the shuffling of the deck pays off. Currently 9.5 games out of first
place in the McCoy Division and having only won 3 of their last 10, the
Whalers are desperately looking to get themselves straight. Probably the
most talented team in PVBL history with a .453 record (29-35), Hartford
simply has not lived up to expectations thus far this season. The Whalers
were expected to contend for the EL Wild Card and hallowed PVBL preseason
prognosticator, Aaron Weiner, had even predicted them to win their
division. But Hartford's offense has not performed to its abilities and
its overall lack of contact and speed has really hurt, despite having an
enormous amount of power. Pitching has not been a great problem. However,
Manager Dwight Evans has made some changes. Looking to right themselves,
the Whalers will now look as follows:
New Batting Order (Vs Both)
1.) C Jason Kendall
2.) DH Andres Galarraga
3.) 1B Mark McGwire
4.) 3B Matt Williams
5.) RF Jay Buhner
6.) CF Reggie Sanders
7.) SS Kurt Abbott
8.) 2B Adam Riggs
9.) LF Socks Byrne
Starting pitching rotation: Ken Hill, Hideki Irabu, Tom Gordon, Masato
Yoshi, Ramon Martinez
Long Relievers: Brian Boehringer, Aaron Sele
Middle Relievers: Will Cunnane, Jack Broskie
Setup Men: John Burke, Mike Mimbs
Closer: Kevin Millwood
Hartford complete a 3-game series and is hoping to take the rubber game
tomorrow at home with Ramon Martinez taking the hill. They will then have
a day off in which to prepare and focus for an extremely important showdown
with the Deadwood Outlaws on the road.
TRADEWINDS
The Whalers are reportedly still in negotiations for Speed and a starting
#1 or #2 pitcher.
